The Underworld, Familiar Forest—
A flash of light split the gloom as Tenra, Gasper, and the rest of Rias's group stepped out of the teleportation circle.
"This is the Familiar Forest. Koneko and I both found our familiars here," Rias said, her tone casual, but her eyes scanning the shadowy woods with practiced ease.
Ancient trees loomed overhead, their canopies so thick that not even moonlight could reach the mossy ground. The forest was alive with strange noises—rustling leaves, distant howls, the occasional eerie chirp. Asia and Gasper pressed close to Tenra, both looking ready to bolt at the slightest provocation.
Tenra ignored Gasper's trembling, focusing instead on soothing Asia. "Don't worry. I'm right here," he murmured. Meanwhile, Irina and Xenovia were already chattering excitedly, eager to start their hunt.
"Good evening, everyone!"
A booming voice echoed from above, making Asia jump. A middle-aged man with a massive backpack stood atop a thick branch, grinning down at the group.
"Welcome to the Familiar Forest! I am the legendary Familiar Master—Zatouji!"
"Good evening, Zatouji-san. Sorry to trouble you again," Rias called up, her voice warm.
"Ah, the Gremory princess's request is never refused! And what luck—a beautiful full moon! Tonight's perfect for acquiring familiars."
He swept his arms wide, confidence radiating from every pore. "So, what kind of familiars do you want? With me here, nothing is out of reach!"
Tenra stroked his chin, thinking aloud. "Best to pick something useful."
Zatouji's eyes sparkled with approval. "Ha! I like your style, kid! Familiars should be strong and practical. Everyone's attributes are different, so the best familiar is the one that suits you."
He rummaged in his pack and produced a thick, battered catalog, flipping it open with a flourish. "Let me show you some top-tier choices! First up, the legendary Dragon King—Tiamat! She's the only female among the Dragon Kings, and no devil has ever managed to tame her. If you could make her your familiar, you'd be set for life!"
He jabbed a finger at another page. "Or how about the Hydra? Venomous beyond belief, immortal, and so dangerous it'd even poison its own master! Now that's a familiar with attitude!"
Zatouji's laughter echoed through the trees as he rattled off one absurdly powerful monster after another. The girls' faces darkened with every suggestion.
Tenra shot him a flat look. "Zatouji-san, maybe something a bit more… reasonable?"
"Ahaha—my bad, I get carried away when I'm excited." Zatouji grinned sheepishly, then straightened up. "Alright, tell me your preferences! Speed-type, power-type, magic-type—whatever you want, I'll find it!"
Asia hesitated, then spoke up, voice barely above a whisper. "Um… something cute, maybe?"
"We want ones that can cut people!" Irina and Xenovia chimed in, practically in unison.
"I'd like something strong—maybe a familiar that can help me practice staff techniques," Mira added.
Gasper, half-hiding behind Tenra, managed a weak, "I'd like one that could… protect me, I guess…"
Zatouji clapped his hands, beaming. "Leave it all to me! For the perfect familiars—let's go!"
With Zatouji leading the way, the group plunged into the depths of the forest. He might have been a bit eccentric, but his knowledge was second to none. Every twist of the path, every rustle in the bushes—he seemed to know exactly what kind of creature might be lurking nearby.
They encountered all sorts of familiars along the way, but most were ordinary—nothing special, nothing with real potential. The truly rare and powerful ones, Zatouji explained, required patience and a little luck.
"Hey, you guys have great timing—look over there!"
Zatouji suddenly stopped, pointing excitedly at a low-hanging branch. Perched there was a tiny pink dragon, its oversized eyes blinking curiously at the group below.
"So cute…" Asia breathed, utterly entranced.
"That's a spirit dragon," Zatouji explained, his voice low with awe. "They can breathe powerful fire. This one's still a hatchling—first time I've seen one myself. If you want it, now's your only chance. Once it grows up, no one can catch it."
Rias and the others stared, clearly impressed.
Tenra glanced at Asia, who was practically vibrating with anticipation. "Asia, do you want that one?"
She nodded, eyes shining. "Yes!"
"Alright then. Leave it to me."
In a heartbeat, Tenra activated his Sacred Gear. "Hermes' Boots!"
Golden wings unfurled at his ankles, and he shot upward, a blur of speed. The pink dragon sensed danger and tried to flap away, but Tenra was faster—far faster. He snatched the little creature out of the air, cradling it gently in his hands.
"Idiot! What are you doing? That's dangerous—let it go!" Zatouji shouted, half-panicked from the ground.
Tenra just raised an eyebrow, but the reason for Zatouji's panic became clear a second later.
The pink dragon struggled, then puffed up its tiny belly and unleashed a burst of fire straight into Tenra's face. In an instant, he was engulfed in a wave of scorching flames.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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